Cheese and poppy seed pastries with sheep cheese

Cheese and poppy seed crackers: a crunchy and savory delight

I'm sure you've heard of these delicious crackers, which have been part of the culinary tradition of many families. These snacks are perfect for a gathering with friends, a party, or simply as a tasty snack between meals. What I love most about this recipe is its versatility: you can adjust the ingredients according to your preferences. Get ready to enjoy a moment of culinary indulgence!

Preparation time: 30 minutes
Resting time: 1-1.5 hours
Baking time: 15-20 minutes
Total: 1.5-2 hours
Number of servings: 20-30 crackers, depending on size

Ingredients

- 250 g butter, left at room temperature
- 250 g sheep cheese or telemea, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons sour cream
- 1 packet of dry yeast (about 7 g)
- Flour, as needed (about 400-500 g, depending on humidity)
- 1 egg (for brushing)
- Poppy seeds or sesame seeds, for decoration

Necessary utensils

- Large mixing bowl
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Plastic wrap
- Baking tray
- Baking paper (optional)
- Rolling pin

Step by step

1. Preparing the ingredients: Start by leaving the butter at room temperature for about 30 minutes to soften. This will make it easier to mix with the other ingredients. If using sheep cheese, make sure it is well crumbled to integrate perfectly into the dough.

2. Mixing the composition: In a large bowl, add the softened butter and sheep cheese. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to mix well until you obtain a homogeneous mixture.

3. Adding sour cream and yeast: Incorporate the sour cream and the packet of dry yeast. Mix well, ensuring that the yeast is evenly distributed in the mixture.

4. Incorporating flour: Now comes the moment to add the flour, bit by bit, until you obtain a pliable but non-sticky dough. It is important not to add too much flour at once to avoid making the dough too tough.

5. Kneading the dough: Once you have obtained a dough, gently knead it on a floured surface for a few minutes until it becomes elastic and homogeneous.

6. Shaping and resting the dough: Roll out the dough to a thickness of about 1 cm and wrap it like a gift using plastic wrap. Place it in the refrigerator for 1-1.5 hours. This step helps to firm up the dough and will give it a better texture when baked.

7. Shaping the crackers: After the dough has been in the refrigerator, take it out and roll it out again to a thickness of about 5 mm. Use cookie cutters or cut it into squares or rectangles with a knife.

8. Preparing for baking: Arrange the crackers on the baking tray, which you can line with baking paper if you wish. Beat the egg in a small bowl and brush each cracker with it. Sprinkle poppy seeds or sesame seeds on top for an attractive appearance and delicious taste.

9. Baking: Preheat the oven to 200°C and bake the crackers for 15-20 minutes until they become golden and fluffy. It is important to start at a higher temperature to help them puff up, then you can reduce the temperature for even baking.

10. Cooling and serving: After the crackers are baked, remove them from the oven and let them cool on a rack. They can be served warm or at room temperature, being ideal as an appetizer or snack.

Serving suggestions

I recommend serving these crackers with a garlic yogurt sauce or a fresh salad. They also pair wonderfully with a glass of white wine or a refreshing lemonade.

Variations

If you want to add a touch of originality, try replacing the sheep cheese with feta cheese or cheddar cheese for a more intense flavor. You can add dried herbs, such as oregano or dill, directly into the dough for an extra burst of flavor.

Nutritional information

Each cracker contains approximately 80-100 calories, depending on size and ingredients used. These snacks are rich in calcium due to the cheese, and the use of sour cream adds a source of healthy fats.

Frequently asked questions

1. Can I use butter instead of margarine?
Yes, you can use butter, but it has a different melting point, so adjust the amount of flour accordingly.

2. Can I make the crackers in advance?
Absolutely! You can prepare the dough a day in advance and keep it in the refrigerator. Also, baked crackers can be stored in an airtight container for a few days.

3. How can I tell if the crackers are baked?
The crackers are ready when they have a golden color and a pleasant smell of baked cheese. If you gently touch them, they should be crispy on the outside.

Happy cooking! I hope you enjoy these sheep cheese and poppy seed crackers, which are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. Each bite brings with it an explosion of flavors and a crunchy texture, perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!